Youth Neuroscience 2024
The Youth Neuroscience Summer Program is an intensive, six week-long
neuroscience summer program hosted by the International Youth
Neuroscience Association that teaches undergraduate introductory
neuroscience from a critical thinking and applications standpoint.
The program features lectures by esteemed professors and
researchers, recitation sessions with teaching assistants, and
application based assignments. Participants will attend among a
cohort of students from more than 40 different countries—gaining a
global network of peers.
Summer Program Timeline
Applications Open
February 25th: Summer Program applications get released!
Due Date
May 25: Summer Program applications are due!Decision Release
June 8th: Decisions for the IYNA Summer Program will be released!Program Dates
Program will be hosted June 24th to August 2nd virtually
Summer Program Tracks
Certificate Track
The program's full schedule’s classes and recitations are
expected to span 20-25 hours throughout the week. If you
feel confident in meeting this criteria and would like to
get credit for it, take the Certificate Track for any of the
course options!
Participant Track
If you would prefer a more relaxed schedule with no attending/recitation requirements, we would recommend the Participant Path—which has all the same benefits as the Certificate Track but just doesn't give out a certificate!
If you would prefer a more relaxed schedule with no attending/recitation requirements, we would recommend the Participant Path—which has all the same benefits as the Certificate Track but just doesn't give out a certificate!
Offered Courses
Neuroscience 1
Our Neuroscience I course is designed for students who have
minimal exposure to neuroscience. The main topics this
course will cover are cell biology of the nervous system,
nervous system signaling, and the sensory systems. Please
look at the Q and A section if you have further questions.
Dual Enrollment
If you are interested in taking both courses at the same time and are confident you can invest time into them both, you can opt to take the dual enrollment approach. This allows you to be a part of both the Neuroscience 1 and 2 programs at the same time this summer!
If you are interested in taking both courses at the same time and are confident you can invest time into them both, you can opt to take the dual enrollment approach. This allows you to be a part of both the Neuroscience 1 and 2 programs at the same time this summer!
Neuroscience 2
Our Neuroscience II course is designed for students who have
either completed Neuroscience I or have some background in
neuroscience. This course introduces students to
neurodevelopment, cognition, and neurological disease with a
strong emphasis on building scientific literacy through
peer-reviewed journal articles.
Youth Neuroscience Summer Program Video
Testimonials
Quotes from student experiences after being a part of the
Youth Neuroscience Summer Programs!
"My favorite part of the program was the culminating
capstone project. It allowed me to begin to explore
literature and start to understand research. The project
took much effort, but it was extremely rewarding to be
able to present my knowledge of research being done in the
field. Each part of the program was well thought out, and
I’m glad I spent part of my summer learning neuroscience
with Youth Neuroscience 2022."
Andrew Mi
Youth neuroscience '22
"I loved Youth Neuroscience 2022 because of how
challenging but supportive it was. I had no previous
exposure or exploration when I first entered the course,
but the weekly TA sessions were such a huge help in
bonding with fellow students and learning the material on
a deeper level."
Lauren Kim
Youth neuroscience '22
"My favorite part of the Youth Neuroscience program was
how there would always be so many unique lecturers from
around the world that helped to teach neuroscience topics
I had no idea about! The aspect of having new teachers
every single session was amazing to me."
Ryan Cho
Youth neuroscience '23
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the application process?
A: The application for this program launches on February 25th and is due May 25th. Notices of acceptance or rejection will be sent out by June 8th. Students must confirm participation in the program and submit initial registration materials by June 19th.
Q2: When is the program?
A: June 24th to August 2nd.
Q3: When will I be notified of the results?
A: See answer to “Q1: What is the application process?”.
Q4: Is there a cap on how many people will be accepted?
A: There is no cap on the number of people we accept. We will accept any number of curious applicants that indicate a passion for neuroscience in their application.
Q5: What if English isn’t my native language?
A: Please note that we currently are unable to translate lectures, and recitations will be conducted in English. You are required to participate in the recitations and lectures which will be most helpful if your English is proficient. Additionally, as a collaborative program, we recommend having proficient English (speaking and writing) to maximize the value of peer-to-peer interactions.
Q6: Where can I find out more?
A: Visit our website at youthneuro.org or email with specific questions.
Q7: If I participated last year, can I participate again?
A: Yes. We recommend all students start with Neuroscience I since Neuroscience II will rely heavily on skills gained for the experimental neuroscience lectures of Neuroscience I.
Q8: I am participating in a number of other summer activities. Should I apply?
A: The program's full schedule’s classes and recitations are expected to span 20-25 hours throughout the week. If you are able to balance your other activities with this schedule, we would recommend the Certificate Granting Path. If you would prefer a more relaxed schedule with no attending/recitation requirements, we would recommend the Participant Path—which does not grant the Certificate
Q9: What are the prerequisites for this program?
A: Students who have a basic knowledge of high school cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, and mathematics (around Algebra II) should enroll in Neuroscience I. Students who have experience in neuroscience at an advanced high school level or elementary undergraduate level may choose to enroll in Neuroscience II. If you have difficulty reading scientific literature, we would highly recommend you enroll in Neuroscience I. Please note, there is zero advantage you get by enrolling in a course that is beyond your level. Many topics discussed in Neuroscience II build off topics learned in Neuroscience I.
Q10: Could I enroll in both Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II?
A: Yes. Please note that each program is anticipated to take 20-25 hours a week, meaning dual enrollment could take 40-50 hours a week. We only recommend Dual Enrollment on the Certificate Granting Path for students who wish to dedicate the majority of the week to this program. For the topics covered by Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II, see the Youth Neuroscience Summer Program page.
Q11: What if I don't get accepted into the Certificate Track but still want to learn?
A: All rejected Certificate Track students will have the opportunity to learn through the Participant Track.